| Light Horse Tavern | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 2002 |
| Current owner(s) | Bill Gray and Ron Smith |
| Street address | 199 Washington Street |
| City | Jersey City |
| County | Hudson County, New Jersey |
| State | New Jersey |
| Postal code/ZIP | 07302 |
| Country | United States |
| Website | http://www.lighthorsetavern.com/ |
Light Horse Tavern is a restaurant located in Jersey City, New Jersey. Restored from an 1850s tavern, the building served as a speakeasy during Prohibition in the United States. Founders Bill Gray and Ron Smith named the restaurant after Henry Lee III, known as "Light Horse Harry", a historical figure from the American Revolution. Its first chef was Ian Topper-Kapitan; he was replaced in 2007 by Marcos Costas.
Reception of the restaurant included multiple favorable reviews in The Jersey Journal,[1][2] the New Jersey section of The New York Times,[3][4] and New Jersey Monthly.[5]
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The restaurant was restored from an 1850s tavern.[3] The Jersey Journal described the facility as a "pre-Civil War building that boasts a coveted landmark status".[1] The building previously served as a speakeasy during Prohibition and functioned as a neighborhood bar.[1] Light Horse Tavern was named after Henry Lee III, known as "Light Horse Harry", a historical figure from the American Revolution.[4][1][6] Light Horse Harry led the successful Battle of Paulus Hook, which helped to retain Jersey City as a stronghold for the Continental Army.[1]
Founders and brothers-in-law Bill Gray and Ron Smith started the establishment after becoming familiar with the relevant history while restoring two neighboring buildings.[4] The restaurant first opened in 2002 with chef Ian Topper-Kapitan, pastry chef Marco Runanin, and wine steward Roland Arnold.[4] In February 2010, the restaurant served as a location for an opening reception of visual artist, Frank Messina.[7]
Chef Ian Topper-Kapitan was replaced in 2007 by Marcos Costas, who had previously been employed at Lespinasse and the Essex House in New York City.[3] Dishes at the restaurant have included lobster salad and pan-roasted salmon, in addition to "a crisp, greaseless version of fish and chips".[3] Troy Unruh joined the restaurant as executive chef in November 2008;[8][9] he left in 2009 to become executive chef at a restaurant called Zylo.[10]
Light Horse Tavern received favorable mention in a 2003 review for The Jersey Journal, which noted, "With its beautiful decor, try to stay focused on the food. It's surprisingly good and reasonably priced."[1] The Waterfront Journal described the Light Horse Tavern in 2004 as "an exquisite restaurant where you can dine Manhattan-style".[11] In 2004, Hudson Reporter referred to the establishment as "the center" of the "political world" in Hudson County, New Jersey.[12] The publication noted, "Unfortunately, so many political people show up at the Light Horse these days that enemies cannot help but bump into each other."[12] The tavern was a favorite hangout location for New Jersey politician Paul Byrne.[13][14] In 2005, The Jersey Journal recommended the Light Horse Tavern among locations to celebrate New Year's Eve.[2] A 2006 article about Jersey City in New York Magazine highlighted the Light Horse Tavern, among recommended local attractions of the city, and described it as "upscale".[15]
The New York Times included the restaurant in a 2007 piece on regional New Jersey restaurants, "Standouts Among the Year's Best", giving the restaurant a rating of "very good".[3][note 1] David Corcoran wrote favorably of the restaurant in a 2007 review for The New York Times, and commented of the establishment's bar: "Long and lively, a scene all its own. Extensive, well-chosen wine and beer lists."[4] In 2008, New Jersey Monthly selected Light Horse Tavern as "Critics' Choice" for "Best Bar Scene".[16] Amaechi Okoro wrote favorably of the dining and bar at the establishment in a 2008 piece for The Waterfront Journal, and called it a "classy alternative" to louder facilities.[17] Stan Parish of New Jersey Monthly reviewed the restaurant in 2008, and came to a negative conclusion, "Best bet? Sidle up to the bar, where you should have been all along, for a can of Young’s Chocolate Stout. Bottom line? The neighs have it."[6] Mariam Ayad of The Waterfront Journal wrote of the establishment's bar in 2009, "The Light Horse Tavern is a nice bar with a cozy fireplace and tidy table arrangement. Behind the bar, you'll find friendly bartenders ready to listen or have a good laugh. The venue also hosts live music a few days each week."[18] In 2010, New Jersey Monthly highlighted the establishment among "Critics' Picks" for beer selection, in its "2010 Readers' and Critics' Restaurant Poll".[5] Jon Whiten of The Jersey City Independent recommended the restaurant among "This Weekend’s Best Bets" in June 2010, for its wine tasting fundraiser with sommelier Roland Arnold.[19] Zagat Survey listed Light Horse Tavern as "top listed" in "Best Buys: Pub Grub".[20]